Othello Essay Assignment
Directions: Choose one of the essay topics below and write a well-developed essay that incorporates
support from the text. Use basic essay format (introduction with thesis statement, body paragraphs with
topic sentences, conclusion).
SUPPORT FROM THE TEXT: In your body paragraphs, you must include at least ONE QUOTE from
the text that illustrates the point you are making in that paragraph. After each quote, you should explain
how it supports the point you are making. A paragraph should never end with a quote. Failure to
include the quotes from the text will result in a maximum of half credit for the assignment (25 points out
of 50). The rubric is on the back of this paper. Please turn in the rubric with your final draft.
We will spend the next few days in class working on the writing process: prewriting, drafting, editing
and revising, and publishing.
DEADLINES:
Prewrite due: ______________________________________ (by the end of class)
Draft due: _________________________________________ (beginning of class)
Editing and Revising day: ____________________________
Computer lab day to type: ____________________________ final paper due at end of period, either
printed or submitted into the drop box on my website
Essay Topics:
1. Othello is the only black character in Shakespeare. Throughout the play, there are several
references to black and white as contrasts: “Black ram and white ewe” (Act I, scene 1); “Your
son-in-law is far more fair than black” (Act I, scene 3); “Her name … is now begrimed and
black/As mine own face” (Act III, scene 3). Although they are not always in reference to race,
analyze whether or not each of these lines are derogatory to Othello.
2. In Othello, we see the kind of jealousy that is envy of what others have, and the kind that is fear
of losing what we have. Write a comparison/contrast essay in which you analyze these themes.
Cite specific examples of characters and events in the play that show both themes.
3. Iago is a clear example of the idea that the difference between reputation and honor is the
difference between appearance and reality. He has a good reputation but no true honor. Analyze
three examples of how Iago tries to appear one way when in reality he is hiding the truth.
Ultimately, what does this say about his honor?
4. The handkerchief is an important symbol in the play. Analyze the handkerchief in terms of its
importance to Othello, Desdemona, and Iago.
5. In a Shakespearean tragedy, characters die who do not deserve their unfortunate fates. Choose
three characters who die innocently and analyze how each one’s blindness to the truth leads to
his or her death.
Othello Essay Rubric:
Criterion
Exceeds Expectations
Meets Expectations
Below Expectations
Content
(10 points)
Specific, illustrative
development of ideas
throughout essay that
thoroughly analyze the
topic
Specific, illustrative
quotes from the text
that enhance and
support the writer’s
points; all quotes are
explained and
thoroughly analyzed
All details are relevant
to the essay topic and
thoroughly support/
explain the writer’s
points
Paragraphs are
logically organized;
distinct introduction,
thesis statement, and
conclusion; details
within paragraphs flow
smoothly
Some ideas are
developed throughout
the essay; evident
attempt at analysis but
lacking detail
General quotes from
the text are included;
evidence of attempted
analysis; lack of
thorough support
Little evidence of
development of ideas;
lack of thorough
analysis of the topic
Most details are
relevant to essay topic
and generally support/
explain the writer’s
points
Errors in logical
organization of
paragraphs and/or
details within
paragraphs; some
evidence of paragraph
breaks and essay
format
Sufficient control of
grammar, mechanics,
spelling, usage, and
sentence formation;
ordinary word choice
and vocabulary
Many details are not
relevant to the essay
topic; off topic details
detract from the
writer’s points
Significant errors in
logical organization of
paragraphs and/or
details within
paragraphs; lack of
paragraph breaks and
essay format
Textual Support
(15 points)
Focus
(5 points)
Organization
(10 points)
Conventions of
Language (grammar) &
Writing Style
(10 points)
Evident control of
grammar, mechanics,
spelling, usage, and
sentence formation;
descriptive, illustrative
vocabulary and word
choice
Writing Process Checklist: (Teacher Initial)
Prewriting
__________
Drafting
__________
Editing/Revising
__________
Publishing
__________
Few or no quotes are
included or quotes do
not support the writer’s
points; little or no
explanation or analysis
of quotes
Minimal control of
grammar, mechanics,
spelling, usage, and
sentence formation;
poorly used vocabulary
and word choice